Among the plethora of martial arts styles, Kyokushin Karate stands out with its unique principles and practices, setting it apart from other karate styles.
To understand the uniqueness of Kyokushin, it’s critical to start with its founder, Mas Oyama. Oyama was a charismatic and powerful figure who combined elements of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu Karate, along with his experiences in Korean and Chinese martial arts and his personal philosophies, to create Kyokushin. Oyama’s approach was less about adhering strictly to established forms and more about practicality, effectiveness, and the pursuit of personal growth through rigorous training.
One of the most notable differences between Kyokushin and other karate styles is its emphasis on full-contact sparring, known as ‘Kumite.’ While safety regulations in most traditional karate styles limit the power of strikes, Kyokushin is renowned for its intense, full-contact bouts. The aim is to deliver powerful, effective strikes, embodying the philosophy of ‘Ikken Hissatsu’ – ‘to finish with one blow.’
The Japanese term ‘Kyokushin’ itself provides insight into its nature. It translates as ‘Ultimate Truth’ (極真), a phrase that echoes the style’s focus on practical, real-world effectiveness. The ‘Kyoku’ (極) part of Kyokushin means ‘ultimate’ or ‘extreme,’ indicating the pursuit of the highest level of skill and understanding. ‘Shin’ (真), on the other hand, translates as ‘truth’ or ‘reality,’ underscoring the style’s emphasis on practical and effective techniques.
Kyokushin’s kata (forms), too, differentiate it from other styles. While all karate styles include kata as a way to practice techniques and sequences, Kyokushin’s kata are particularly physically demanding, incorporating dynamic movements, deep stances, and power generation. This combination of strength, flexibility, endurance, and technique in Kyokushin’s kata training can offer a robust and well-rounded form of physical conditioning.
The structure of Kyokushin training is also unique. A typical session begins with rigorous physical conditioning, followed by kihon (basics), ido geiko (moving basics), kata, and kumite. The focus on physical conditioning, often including body hardening exercises, reflects the style’s full-contact nature.
Kyokushin’s philosophy and mindset set it apart as well. It promotes a spirit of perseverance and resilience, embodied in the term ‘Osu’ (押忍), which is frequently used in Kyokushin dojos. Osu, literally translated, most closely means “push and endure”. In Japan, outside of Kyokushin, the term is considered a bit “rough”, and something you would generally only use on a sports field. Within Kyokushin, Osu can mean many things, from “hello” to “I understand” to “push and endure”. This term encapsulates concepts such as patience, respect, and determination, reflecting the indomitable spirit that Kyokushin seeks to cultivate.
The Kyokushin community is a distinctive feature in and of itself. The Kyokushin world is deeply interconnected, with a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. This family-like network is global, underscoring the close-knit relationships built through shared experiences of rigorous training and challenges.
Kyokushin training is not merely about learning to fight or self-defense; it’s a comprehensive system that cultivates the ‘whole’ person. Beyond the physical dimension, it enhances mental toughness and fosters spiritual growth. It’s about pushing one’s limits, confronting one’s fears, and emerging stronger.
Kyokushin emphasizes the principle of ‘Kokoro’ (心), or the ‘spirit.’ This concept encapsulates the idea of a strong and disciplined mind, guiding the body. Training in Kyokushin is as much about honing one’s spirit as it is about physical prowess. The belief is that a strong spirit will drive the body to overcome any physical hardships or limitations.
The uniqueness of Kyokushin Karate lies in its comprehensive approach to martial arts training, its distinctive full-contact sparring, demanding kata, emphasis on physical conditioning, and its philosophical underpinnings. It offers a holistic journey of physical, mental, and spiritual development, encapsulated in its quest for the ‘ultimate truth’ through hard work, discipline, and indomitable spirit.
The pursuit of Kyokushin Karate is not just about mastering a series of techniques or winning fights; it’s about forging character, building resilience, fostering respect, and developing a lifelong commitment to personal growth and understanding. As you delve deeper into the practice, you’ll discover that Kyokushin is more than just a style of karate; it’s a way of life.
